The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne’s words were light, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

No matter how many times she had seen it, the sight of Percival’s chiseled abs never failed to make her swallow in appreciation.

Her slender, fair fingers traced over his toned muscles, while her other arm wrapped around Percival’s neck. “Mr. Wolf, have you put on some weight lately? Your six-pack doesn’t feel as rock-hard as before.”

Percival thought to himself, “The cheeky little thing, teasing me like that.”

He caught her wandering hand in a firm grip, his voice husky, “Don’t worry, the real workout starts soon, and I guarantee you’ll be more than satisfied.”

The Hawthorn Family’s Soirée.

As a rising star in Rivenwood, Dorian had arranged the evening’s reception at a modest yet charming boutique hotel.

The guest list included business associates and some of the newly acquainted local elite.

“I didn’t expect such a turnout tonight. It seems that even a down-and-out camel is still bigger than a horse. I thought the Hawthorn family would never bounce back.”

“What’s there to be happy about? I wonder what sort of luck this country bumpkin stumbled upon to get cozy with the Ellingtons. If it weren’t for that marriage, do you think anyone would give him the time of day?”

“That’s why they say Ms. Hawthorn is so cunning. After everything that’s happened, Mr. Ellington still stands by her side unwaveringly.”

Anna, as Vivienne’s bodyguard, heard every insult and slander.

“These people!”

This was unbearable!

Her eyes glinting with fury, she was about to confront them when Vivienne held her back, “Don’t stoop to their level. Hitting them would be too good for them.”

Percival stood by Vivienne’s side in a tailored suit, his hand resting on her shoulder.

“Thomas, look into their companies. Since they have so much idle time, let’s keep them busy.”

Thomas nodded. “Don’t worry, Percival, they won’t get off easy.”

the family of Vivienne? They were truly

“Vivienne!”

chorus of excited young

slightly to embrace the children hugging her from either side. “Amelia’s here too. You two rascals, make sure you

nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, Vivienne! I won’t let Thaddeus

“That’s nonsense!”

and said, “I didn’t

turned, his gaze falling on

Vivienne had made especially

defensive tone startled

hem of her dress, Amelia nodded shyly and said, “No. Thaddeus didn’t bully me, er,

made Vivienne frown

she could speak, Kala, in an elegant cream mermaid gown, approached with a graceful stride, her face beautifully made

Vivienne, completely encircling

wore a look of brooding frustration, causing Thomas following behind to lower his head, struggling to suppress

Percival asked, “Something funny?”

his head hastily. “No, it’s

couldn’t he control his

expect to

rang out, and as everyone’s attention was momentarily captured by the newcomers, it reverted back

tone made Percival’s skin crawl. He dodged the woman lunging at

took his place behind Vivienne, his deep eyes not once glancing

What a drama king.

when had Mr. Wolf adopted

when she first met Percival; he was the epitome of cool and

has been like this ever since he started

But even as a rising starlet, you don’t need to throw yourself

Do you know who I am?” Ramona Grimshaw struggled against Thomas’s grip, fuming, “Who are you to touch me? Percival, don’t you remember me? I’m Ramona, I

a pink mini-dress saw Percival and her demeanor changed instantly, “You even

gaze shifted